Mercedes Landaverde
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(650) 926-7223(650) 926-7223
Kathy Razaghzadeh, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation
Direct:
(650) 926-7656(650) 926-7656
Toll-Free:
(800) 624-7248(800) 624-7248
My Mission Statement
Working with you to help preserve and grow wealth for your long-term goals
My Story
For more than 24 years, I have been working with successful individuals and families, providing thorough, unbiased and carefully considered guidance on a wide range of financial topics. My emphasis on education and commitment to outstanding service enables me to take the mystery out of the markets and bring a disciplined, comprehensive approach to financial planning and smart money management.
My mission is simple: To deliver objective, high quality advice to help you organize and better manage your financial life, so you may enjoy and preserve the wealth you are working so hard to create. I strive to accomplish this through the development of long-term relationships, and by continually aligning your goals and values with your personal wealth management plan.
I provide customized solutions and wealth management services to financially successful individuals and families, corporate executives and stock plan participants living in the Bay area and across the country. My goal is to work closely with each client to tailor strategies that help optimize their equity compensation benefits through goal-based investment and tax-efficient management.
I take pride in my ability to put advanced concepts into action. My ultimate goal is to guide my clients on the growth and preservation of their assets, while providing for current cash flow needs. My approach is focused on articulating each client’s goals and aspirations. This information then serves as the foundation for the development of a custom strategy that can be adapted to respond to life changes and market activity.
Having lived in many different places, Kathy calls Emerald Hill her home, where she lives with her husband, Emad, and their two sons, Armin and Ario. When she’s not working with clients, you can find her volunteering at her Sacred Heart School community or by the pool watching her son play water polo. In her free time, she enjoys walking, watching movies and travelling.
My mission is simple: To deliver objective, high quality advice to help you organize and better manage your financial life, so you may enjoy and preserve the wealth you are working so hard to create. I strive to accomplish this through the development of long-term relationships, and by continually aligning your goals and values with your personal wealth management plan.
I provide customized solutions and wealth management services to financially successful individuals and families, corporate executives and stock plan participants living in the Bay area and across the country. My goal is to work closely with each client to tailor strategies that help optimize their equity compensation benefits through goal-based investment and tax-efficient management.
I take pride in my ability to put advanced concepts into action. My ultimate goal is to guide my clients on the growth and preservation of their assets, while providing for current cash flow needs. My approach is focused on articulating each client’s goals and aspirations. This information then serves as the foundation for the development of a custom strategy that can be adapted to respond to life changes and market activity.
Having lived in many different places, Kathy calls Emerald Hill her home, where she lives with her husband, Emad, and their two sons, Armin and Ario. When she’s not working with clients, you can find her volunteering at her Sacred Heart School community or by the pool watching her son play water polo. In her free time, she enjoys walking, watching movies and travelling.
Certifications
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), 2004 - Present
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2000 – 2006
- Chartered Professional Accountant of Canada (CPA, CGA), 1999 - 2001
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative
- Series 63 - Uniform State Exam
- Series 65 - Investment Advisory Agent
- Life Insurance Licensed
- Fluent in English, French, and Farsi
- 1998 - 1999: Carswell Tax Award
- 1991-1995 McGill University
Securities Agent: LA, MI, PA, DE, AL, UT, SC, ND, MT, NE, TN, NV, HI, GA, WY, VA, OH, NJ, KS, IL, ID, IA, CO, AZ, WA, FL, CA, AR, TX, NH, NC, IN, MA, CT, OK, NY, NM, WI, VT, OR, MN, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1272836
CA Insurance License #: 0F22217
NMLS#: 1272836
CA Insurance License #: 0F22217
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Comprehensive Equity Solutions for Any Stage of Growth
Our comprehensive offering spans Equity, Financial Wellness and Retirement solutions, plus Financial Empowerment, so your workforce can realize the full potential of their benefits. We deliver workplace financial solutions that can help employees build financial confidence and help you attract and retain top talent.
Equity Solutions
Equity is more than shares. It’s a commitment to your employees.
That’s why we design equity compensation solutions that can grow alongside your business and people at any stage. With tailored solutions, modern technology, hands-on guidance and dedicated service, we help you effectively administer equity while managing risk and compliance on a global scale.
That’s why we design equity compensation solutions that can grow alongside your business and people at any stage. With tailored solutions, modern technology, hands-on guidance and dedicated service, we help you effectively administer equity while managing risk and compliance on a global scale.
Financial Wellness
Our workplace solutions give employees the confidence to take charge of their finances – and their future. By improving your employees’ financial wellness, you can benefit from a more productive workforce.
Retirement Solutions
Take care of tomorrow, so your employees can take charge of today. We offer Retirement Solutions to every business size, providing fiduciary oversight, employee education and engagement to help drive the best possible employee outcomes.
We serve a full spectrum of plan types including:
- 401(k) and 403(b) Plans
- Pension Plans
- Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans
We serve a full spectrum of plan types including:
- 401(k) and 403(b) Plans
- Pension Plans
- Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans
Financial Empowerment
Through seminars and webinars, digital tools, and access to personal guidance, we empower your employees with the knowledge, tools and support that can help them achieve their financial goals. Financial Empowerment is included with every service we provide.
My Clients Include:
- Corporate executives and management level employees with significant assets amassed in company stock
- Self-made entrepreneurs in technology and other emerging industries
- Financially successful individuals and families
My Process:
My clients are much more than a portfolio of assets – they are people with complex lives, who seek an advisor who will be dedicated to helping them address their specific financial challenges. When you work with me, you will be treated with respect, care, confidentiality and an unwavering commitment to you and your family. This is reflected in the core values that serve as the foundation of my practice.
Throughout my career, I have developed a strong and active practice that includes a broad range of clients living in the Silicon Valley area and across the country.
While each client has a unique personal and professional situation, they all have one thing in common: They are focused on achieving very specific financial goals, so they can focus on the areas of their lives that bring them joy, meaning and purpose.
I Help My Clients Develop a Plan to:
- Meet a major life goal with confidence, such as financing college education, planning for a comfortable retirement or and leaving a lasting legacy
- Manage the executive benefits provided by their company, including stock option analysis, employee share purchase, restricted stock compensation and deferred compensation planning
- Finance a major acquisition through innovative banking and lending strategies
"Fit" Meeting
Our relationship begins with a face-to-face conversation to understand your financial concerns and determine if your specific objectives align with our strengths and areas of dedication.
We discuss important investment concepts and provide details on our investment philosophy.
We are not trying to be all things to all people.
We are trying to be all things to some.
Team Consultation
Our team meets internally to determine how we can add value to your situation. If there is a "good fit" among us, we will schedule our next discussion and request important information about your finances. If not, we will direct you to a better resource to assist with your needs.
Strategy Development
We build upon our initial conversation, reviewing the information you've prepared and discussing a high-level overview of your situation and recommendations. In this step, we also begin the process of opening accounts and transferring assets to Morgan Stanley
Analysis & Plan Preparation
Utilizing proprietary planning tools and our investment guidelines, we develop your personalized and detailed financial plan with recommendations to help you grow, preserve and transfer your wealth. This serves as the foundation for building your initial plan, as well as future financial decisions.
Plan Presentation & Implementation
In this step, we present appropriate investment options that, once implemented, are designed to work together to help achieve your financial goals. Upon your approval, we will execute the investment recommendations and begin to implement the additional wealth management strategies we've discussed. These often encompass risk management, as well as estate, trust and philanthropic services.
Modern Wealth Tools
Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to enhance every aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that are available.
Global Investment Committee “On the Markets” Report
Every month, Morgan Stanley’s top research analysts publish their “On the Markets” report, providing detailed market commentary on such topics as global equities, fixed income and monetary policy.
Read the most recent report
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) & MS Mobile
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity. Features include paperless documents, bill pay and secure account management.
Morgan Stanley Online
Thoughts on the Markets Podcast
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Listen to the latest episode
Total Wealth View
With this service, you can view all your investments together – whether they are held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere. When you add your external 401(k), as well as your checking, savings and brokerage accounts to this portal, all your assets will be in one place, providing a current and comprehensive view of your wealth.
Total Wealth ViewOur Investing with Impact Platform offers a diverse range of funds and other investments designed to help Morgan Stanley clients align their portfolios with their values. We make it easy to craft an investment portfolio of any size that is tailored to help advance the environmental, economic and social goals of your choice — while striving for competitive performance.
Location
2775 Sand Hill Road
Suite 120
Menlo Park, CA 94025
US
Direct:
(650) 926-7656(650) 926-7656
Toll-Free:
(800) 624-7248(800) 624-7248
Fax:
(650) 926-7650(650) 926-7650
Meet My Team
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Kathy Razaghzadeh today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
8Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
8Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
